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Posts Tagged ‘Stuart Weitzman’

Those Shoes are How Much?

February 1st, 2010

It seems like just when I was getting used to seeing $700 price tags on shoes, here comes a season where $900 plus isn’t out of the ordinary. The past few years have seen a continuous push upward.

Christian Louboutin Resort 2010 $995

Will we get used to the new prices?
Is there a limit to what we will pay for amazing shoes?

I’ve asked myself these questions many times, but at $900+ I need an answer.

I’m not cheap when it comes to shoes. In fact, I love shoes. My modest collection includes Louboutins, Pradas, Choos, Ferragamos, and (my favorite shoe guy) Stuart Weizmans. (Sadly I cannot get my fat feet into Manolo Blahniks).

But are they worth it?

Here’s why I ask the question: Every so often I’ll pick up a pair of shoes for under $200. Then I will get tons of compliments on them. When I go for shoes in the $200 or so range, I usually go for something unique. I think I’ll only wear them occasionally. Then I fall completely in love and wear them as often as I can work them into outfits.

Mohop Sandal $140

My favorite Chicago shoe boutique for unique statement shoes is City Soles and their sister Niche. For online fabulously original shoes, Kindred Soles is the spot. It’s a UK website, but they will ship to the US.

Right now I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of the affordable Mohops I ordered. If you haven’t seen these yet, you should check them out. They are the answer to the calf-laced look at the Spring 2010 Chanel show.

Meanwhile, I’ll wear a pair of $700 Ferragamos secretly hoping for a nod, and no one notices.

So when are they worth it?
Fit?
Comfort?
The detailing that stands out to only you and other fashion addicts?

Since the recession hit, I have scaled back my shoe buying.
I now use the $100 rule.
Oh no, not $100 per pair of shoes. It’s $100 per outfit the shoes go with! Justification is, after all, the cornerstone of style.

Do you have a limit?

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Posted in Uncategorized

Tags: Ferragamo Jimmy Choo Louboutins Mohop Shoes Shoes Stuart Weitzman

What’s Your Boot Personality?

November 9th, 2009

Shopper: I want to buy a pair of boots.
Salesperson: What kind of boots do you want?
Shopper: What boots are in style?
Salesperson: What kind of boots do you want to be in style?

Boots are definitely the item of the season. But which style you choose is really about your personality and what fits into your life. Let’s look at the options:

Stuart Weitzman Thigh High

Thigh high –
This says, I’m confident. Could also say “I want to be noticed” if you go for a substantial heel. There is also the option of the thigh high with a flat heel for those that want to go to the extreme but then back off from the total commitment. Overall, the person that buys thigh high boots is bolder than most. It’s no coincidence that celebrities are embracing this trend.

BCB Generation - OTK

OTK (over-the-knee) –
I like adventurous fashion but not ready for the extreme of thigh highs. I’m almost there, but I’m still slightly cautious. I don’t want too much attention – look but don’t stare.
Basic Tall –
I play it safe. I don’t throw money on every new trend. Since the basic tall boot is always in style, these are still a good investment.

MICHAEL - Michael Kors Riding Boot

Riding Boots –
Yes to fashion, but functionality is important – Give me fashion and give me a life. (This person probably also has at least one other category of boots).

Mid-calf-
Best done as biker boots with the metal accents. On Trend Talk, one of the comments was that this look can go into warmer weather.

DSquared 2 Ankle Boot

Booties – I’m not sure, do I want shoes or boots? I want versatility (or I have amazing legs that I want you to see). My favorite booties are ones with animal prints. Patent also makes a great statement with short boots.

So, what’s your choice? What do you think it says about you?

All of the boots shown are available at Zappos.com

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Posted in Shoes, Trend Talk

Tags: Boots OTK Stuart Weitzman Thigh High Boots

Waiting for sales to start?

November 4th, 2009

When the fall shopping season started, I read the articles that said shoppers shouldn’t expect the same deep discounts they found last year. I thought that was good, last year was excessive. Many retailers went out of business because of the steep markdowns. I felt guilty at some of the prices I paid.

But I also don’t want to be the one poor sap that pays full price when waiting a couple of weeks would get me the item I love at 30% cheaper.

Stuart Weitzman 50/50 OTK Boots

Now we are approaching the sale season. Stores are starting, or getting ready to start, their fall markdowns – many have already been doing “special” promotions here and there. But inventories are running thin. I know in my store, we are out of a few of the season’s most coveted pieces.

Then a hard lesson for myself – the one item that I had my heart set on for the season was a pair of Stuart Weitzman 50/50 over-the-knee boots. These boots are at Zappos, Shopbop, Nordstrom’s, Bloomingdales, etc. The problem for me is that every store is sold out of my size. Yes, if I were a size 5 ½ I could still get those lovelies. But as it stands now, I’m out of luck because I didn’t want to be the one that paid full price unnecessarily. My fault, I know. They were the subject of so much attention, I should have known better.

The truth in retail is that fashion pieces are bought early. Those of us that want the best items are going to have to pay full price. So if there is something that you love, you want, but you are waiting for it to go on sale, know that you risk losing it. There is a price for getting exactly what we want – and sometimes it’s full.

So maybe retail is on the comeback after all and that is worth losing my boots over.

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Posted in Shoes

Tags: Boots Nordstrom OTK over-the-knee boots Sale Shopbop Stuart Weitzman Zappos